Officials say the school plans to use that money to add 40 audio books along with hardcover versions to its collection

The author and literary philanthropist told The Associated Press in March that for a second year he's donating $1.75 million to the country's school libraries.

Patterson, who received an honorary National Book Award last year for his contributions to the literary community, has also given away millions to independent bookstores and to literacy programs. He emphasized in a statement "the vital role reading plays in children's lives."